Rubbing Back When Hugging Novels & Stories

he rubbed his face. I spread my arms and went in for a hug which he reciprocated. He stroked bare back I felt tingles all over my body. We stayed that way for a while before we finally pulled away. My plan was to get out of the car as fast as possible before anything else occurred. But it backfired.

I encircled my arms around his torso and hugged him. He was too shocked to do anything for a few minutes, but when I was about to loosen my hold on him, he put his hand on the back of my head and again placed my face softly on his chest while his other hand was on my waist "What is troubling you, chicky? You know that you can tell me" The softness in his voice is making me emotional and weak at the same time... {I have never felt like this in years} ... he opened my hair that was tied in a bun and started rubbing my head softly while his other hand is rubbing soft circles on my back "take your time. I am here, Chicky. I am here" and with it, I can't handle my emotions anymore.

"Or is that too personal to ask?" I hesitated as I raised my hand to rub the back of my neck, “We’ve only been kissing and the small things like hugging. I had a bit of a panic attack once or twice with him, but I’ve been comfortable enough that I don’t detest him touching me.” I said. “Recently I had a little flashback when he brushed my hair near my neck... I don’t know why I imagined his hands grabbing my neck at the time like he was going to choke me. I don't think it was his hands I was imagining honestly and I know he wouldn’t do that.”

He went completely stiff. "Physical contact is. Difficult for me. I don't. This is uncomfortable." I didn't let go. Just squeezed a little tighter. "I know. But I missed you. And I needed one." His hand came up. Patted my back. Once. Twice. Mechanical. Awkward. "There. Hug completed. Emotional support provided. Can we. Stop now?" I laughed. Pulled back. "Yes. Hug completed." He relaxed immediately. Straightened his clipboard. "Good. Hugs are uncomfortable. But you looked like you needed it. So I. Tolerated."

Why is she suddenly doing that now? I think she notices because she rubs her palm over my back in a soothing way I haven't experienced before, one that makes me wrap my arms all over her. My eyes gets watery all of a sudden. I notice it's because I'm reacting to the strange feeling of being this close to her.